Men became renowned and distinguished quite as much, if not more, for achievements in their private and special occupations.

Along with leadership of statesmen and generals, the American people began to recognize that of financiers, "captains of industry," corporation lawyers, political and labor "bosses," and these gentlemen assumed extremely important parts in the direction of American affairs.

Officially, the new leaders were just like any other American citizen.

No titles could be conferred upon them, and their position brought with it no necessary public responsibilities.
Actually, however, they exercised in many cases more influence upon American social and political economy than did the official leaders.
They were an intrusion, into the traditional economic political and social system, for which no provision had been made.

Their special interests, and the necessities of their special tasks, made their manner of life different from that of other American citizens, and their peculiar opportunities enabled them to appropriate an unusually large share of the fruits of American economic development.